MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, the San Jose Earthquakes and The Home Depot, the official home improvement retailer of MLS, are teaming up to launch the Community MVP contest. Recognizing the impact a single individual can make, the contest aims to highlight the dedication and passion of MLS fans to make a difference in their local communities.

Beginning today, fans in San Jose and throughout the League will have an opportunity to nominate individuals who are committed to going above and beyond in their communities. Winners will be selected based on their efforts in one of the following areas: general community service; youth programming; environmental sustainability; health and wellness; education; military or civic service.

The Community MVP contest is part of the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program – a collaborative effort to combine sport and service, promote goodwill within MLS markets and improve lives and communities at the grassroots level.

“Our fans show tremendous support for the charitable initiatives of the League, our clubs and players,” said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of Major League Soccer. “We want to recognize the amazing service work that our fans are doing every day to improve their communities.”

One (1) Community MVP will be chosen to represent each MLS club. Winners will receive a $500 gift card provided by The Home Depot, along with a trip to MLS Cup 2010 in Toronto (round-trip coach airfare provided by American Airlines). Official MLS merchandise will also be a part of the prize package. Nominations must be 500 words or less and can be submitted by visiting www.MLSsoccer.com/communitymvp. The contest will be open until September 17, 2010 at 7:59pm ET. Winners will be announced on MLSsoccer.com and recognized during halftime of MLS Cup 2010 at BMO Field in Toronto.

ABOUT MLS W.O.R.K.S.MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. For more information visit the Web site at www.MLSsoccer.com/works.

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERHeadquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 15th season on March 25, 2010. MLS features 16 clubs each playing 30 regular season matches in 2010. Those teams include Chicago Fire; Colorado Rapids; Chivas USA; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; Kansas City Wizards; Los Angeles Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; 2009 MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural season, Philadelphia Union. Expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011 and in Montreal in 2012. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official Web site at www.MLSsoccer.com.